From 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Innovation and Technology will make the so-called “advance electronic licence registration system”, BIREG, for the protection of domestic road passenger and freight transport companies, operational. The corresponding legislation was published on 31 December 2020 and was in force from 4 January. 

However, under pressure from interest groups, amendments were introduced and announced on 27 January. The amendment has narrowed the list of those who are obliged to register and exempts the following from registration:

• no registration is required for loco and transit transport within the Community carried out by a Community haulier, 
• nor for unlicensed transport under bilateral road agreements.

The previous obligation of 7.5 tonnes has been reduced to 3.5 tonnes, but only if the goods are transported to a third country on own account (with a 3.5 tonne vehicle) or if the transport is to a third country under a CEMT or bilateral authorisation.